We Need To Be The Change - Part I

I have been struggling with the state of black America across the US and especially in Chicago where I live. It saddens me how our people are so far behind in two crucial areas, education and economic status. Everyone wants to point fingers at the government, the school system, the parents, the teachers. Lets just say to some extent in a lot of instances no person or entity is doing all that they can do to make the situation better.



As the Christmas season approaches it amazes me each year how many people rush out to buy their children new toys and gadgets yet "little Johnnie" can't read or struggles in math or science. There are so many educational games, websites, toys and avenues that parents can utilize to help their children.



Now there are also some parents who unfortunately just don't know any better, they don't know what to do or where to start. Their resources are limited. That is when those in the know who are more informed need to step in. It is time for us to take care of our own and help one another achieve. It is not enough for a few of us to make it here and there we as black America need to come together and help one another.



Listening to the radio last night Kanye West songs 'All Falls Down' came on and I listened to they lyrics and could only shake my head and say this is so true:



"'Cause they made us hate ourself and love they wealth That's why shorty's hollering, "Where the ballas' at?"Drug dealer buy Jordans, crackhead buy crackAnd a white man get paid off of all a dat"



The majority of Black America does hate themselves that is why women wear weaves, fake nails, fake eyes, relaxers etc. Why we move out of our neighborhoods once we make a little money and become educated. We aspire to elevate ourselves and remove ourselves from the "ghetto" a poor densely populated city district occupied by a minority ethnic group linked together by economic hardship and social restrictions. So in a quest to make it out of the "ghetto" some choose to ball their way out (bball, football etc.) others choose to be ballers ( street pharmacists), some choose to rob and steal, others choose to attach themselves to a baller so he can spend cash on them.



So they drive around in fancy cars wearing expensive clothing and jewelry thinking I have arrived I am not like those who drive old beat up cars and have to shop at Wal-Mart for their clothes!



I worked with a man that made 6 figures a year and received about 7% commission off of his $25 million dollar sales he brought into the company. He purchased a pre-owned vehicle, he shopped at Target for his children's clothes, his children attend a public school system that will pay for them to go to college, and he participated in the Flexible Spending Account for tax purposes. I guarantee he is saving for the future of his children and for his own retirement.


Now one may think well he makes a lot of money. Yes he does make a lot of money and he lives within his means and is not concerned with what TV is saying is the newest it most have fashion trend or concerned with driving the most expensive car just because he can afford.



What I am trying to say is as black America we need to make better choices. We need to start saving for our retirements and our children's future. For the Christians out there the bible tells us in Proverbs to leave an inheritance for our children's children! We need to start loving ourselves just the way we are. We need to start learning the difference between needs and wants. We need to teach our children about money, finances, saving, and investing when they are old enough to start asking for things that cost money! We need to invest more in books and educational things that will stimulate our children's minds then on Xboxes, Nintendo DS's, playstations etc. We are a part of the reason we are behind. There are plenty of free books out there located at your local library branch. We have to start using the tools that are readily available to us and exhaust all of those resources. We have to start taking care of our own and helping those who cannot help themselves.



Be a blessing and be blessed,

Epiphany Essentials